Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Fever

Definition

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition. It involves the connective tissue in the body. The most severe complication is rheumatic heart disease. This condition may permanently damage the heart valves. Valves control the flow of blood to and from the heart.

Diseased Heart Valve

Causes

Rheumatic fever is caused by group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, also known as strep throat. In this case, the body uses antibodies to fight the infection, but the antibodies also attack the heart.

Risk

Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatic fever include:

Having strep throat

Prior case of rheumatic fever

Age: 5 to 15 years old

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after a strep infection. They may include:

Pain and swelling in large joints

Fever

Weakness

Muscle aches

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Nausea and vomiting

Hacking cough

Circular rash

Lumps under the skin

Abnormal, sudden movements of arms and legs

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will include a careful exam of your heart.

Other tests may include:

Samples may be taken of your bodily fluids and tissues. This can be done with:

Blood tests

Throat culture

You may need to have pictures taken of your heart. This can be done with:

Echocardiogram

Chest x-rays

You may need to have your heart activity measured. This can be done with an electrocardiogram.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to:

Kill the strep bacteria

Treat the inflammation caused by the rheumatic fever

Treat any cardiac problems

Prevent future cases of rheumatic fever

Treatment may include:

Medication

To treat the strep infection:

Penicillin or other antibiotics such as erythromycin and azithromycin

May be given by mouth or injection

To help with joint pain and swelling:

Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—only if advised by your doctor

Corticosteroids may be used if NSAIDs are not effective or if there is inflammation of the heart

Rest

In some cases, the inflammation can be severe. You may have to rest for a period of time.

Prevention

It is important to treat strep throat with antibiotics right away. This will help prevent rheumatic fever. If you or your child has a sore throat and a fever that lasts more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.